Linux has in recent years, made an entry into the Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) market as one of the programming languages. Xilinx, now a part of AMD is one of the companies championing that cause.
In this article, we talk about the Xilinx Zynq Linux and the role of the PetaLinux Tools.
Linux Implementation Options for Xilinx Devices
Several Linux development options are readily available for Xilinx FPGA developers looking to integrate Linux into these devices. Here is a breakdown of the different solutions offered to this end:
1. Yocto Project
Also called the YP, the Yocto Project is one of the Linux implementation solutions for Xilinx devices, allowing developers to use the open-source platform to create custom Linux FPGA-based systems.
At the core of these solutions is the provision of meta layers by Xilinx to enable the quick addition of the relevant components into the Xilinx System-on-Chips (SoCs).
2. Commercial Linux
The commercial Linux solutions are exclusive to Xilinx FPGA developers looking to use any of the commercial development solutions by Xilinx’s partners. To that end, the Linux Drivers have become one of the most sought-after commercial solutions, owing to the provision of the recommended test procedures, documentations and example or reference designs.
3. Xilinx Linux
Also called the Xilinx Open Source Linux, it refers to the open-source platform through which Xilinx readily provides the necessary components needed to create the Linux-based FPGA systems.
It includes the Xilinx Wiki that serves as the documentation platform for all devices, as well as serving as a guide on how to use the software components for the design.
There is also the Xilinx Git, a database containing relevant system software, libraries, Linux kernel, U-Boot and ARM Trusted Firmware.
PetaLinux Tools
This is the most outstanding warehouse for the Xilinx Zynq Linux solutions. PetaLinux Tools are the hosts or the necessary tools Xilinx FPGA developers need to build, customize, deploy and manage a variety of Embedded Linux solutions on the Xilinx processing systems.
Here are some of the additional things you need to know about the PetaLinux Tools:
Ease of Development
In addition to accelerating the design process, PetaLinux Tools also aid in the ease of developing Linux-based systems for specific devices, including MicroBlaze, Versal, UltraScale+ MPSoCs and Zynq-7000 SoCs.
Device Customizations
Xilinx Zynq Linux FPGA developers also seize the opportunity presented by the framework to customize the solutions, ranging from Linux kernel to boot loaders.
Developers can also add new components, such as libraries, kernels, test software stacks, device drivers and applications into the applications.
Custom Templates Integration
The PetaLinux Tools also integrate several custom development templates, which come in handy when creating custom BSP configurations, custom device drivers and applications.
Linux Distribution
Without being limited to one process, the Xilinx Zynq Linux is also subject to distribution via the reference Linux distribution. The solution allows PetaLinux Tools developers to distribute both the binary and source Linux packages across the supported Xilinx devices.
Final Words
Using the PetaLinux Tools is the major pathway to building more flexible and functional Xilinx FPGAs. Another great solution is the Embedded Linux development solutions on Xilinx Zynq devices using Vivado.
